Adirondack Review Board News

MEDICAID CHANGES ARE LOOMING. HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW. - Adirondack Daily Enterprise (Saranac Lake, NY) Website

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

MEDICAID CHANGES ARE LOOMING. HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW.

Adirondack Daily Enterprise (Saranac Lake, NY)

10/29/26

Changes that will impact how millions of New Yorkers enroll in and maintain their Medicaid benefits are set to take effect next year, though some details are still being worked out and concerns about the potential fallout continue to mount.

Beginning Jan. 1, Medicaid recipients will be required to renew their benefits twice a year instead of annually, as currently required. Additionally, approximately 2 million of the more than 6 million New Yorkers enrolled in the public safety net program will be required to meet new work requirements in order to maintain their benefits.

The requirements were included as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Republican-backed budget reconciliation package approved last year and signed by President Donald Trump.

The bill slashed nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade that health care advocates fear will rip insurance from millions and reverberate throughout the health care system, leading to greater numbers of uninsured patients ending up at local emergency rooms, leading to higher costs of uncompensated care.

Effects of the legislation are already being felt in the Empire State: As of Oct. 1, lawfully present immigrants enrolled in Medicaid lost their coverage and were shifted into the state’s Essential Plan.

Nearly 180,000 individuals previously enrolled in the Essential Plan under expanded income limits lost their coverage and have not enrolled in a new plan as of Aug. 1, according to the most recent state data.

Proponents of the legislation have argued the cuts are necessary to root out wasteful and fraudulent spending, and the work requirements will provide an opportunity for Medicaid recipients to build skills that would end their reliance on the government program.

But Danielle DeSouza, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Health, said the requirements “puts vulnerable communities in the crosshairs and threatens to push eligible Medicaid recipients off the rolls.”

It’s a sentiment shared by community health care advocates like Michele Horan, the chief operating officer for Healthy Alliance, a social care network that connects Medicaid recipients to services that improve health outcomes throughout the Capital Region, North Country and Central New York, where thousands will have to comply with the new changes.

Healthy Alliance has around 600,000 Medicaid recipients in its coverage area that Horan fears are still unaware of the looming changes despite ongoing efforts by the state and other organizations to get the word out.

“This is definitely going to add burden not just on the member, but I would also say the health care ecosystem that’s out there to support them,” she said.

With the new changes set to take effect in about two months, here’s what we know so far.

What’s changing?

The biggest change is how often individuals will be required to re-enroll in Medicaid moving forward.

Currently, recipients of the public safety net program are required to re-enroll once every 12 months. But come Jan. 1, the new requirements will require adults between the ages of 19 and 64 to complete the enrollment process twice annually, or once every six months.

There are a few exceptions initially: Those who apply for Medicaid before Jan. 1 or renew prior to March 1 are still eligible for 12 months of coverage initially, but will be required to re-enroll once every six months after.

Additionally, there are changes to retroactive payments for new enrollees that will also take effect in the new year.

Under current rules, new enrollees in the program can use Medicaid to cover up to three months of medical bills prior to their enrollment. That is set to change to just one month come Jan. 1.

Horan said the revamped renewal requirements coupled with the shortened retroactive period “creates huge challenges for the health care system,” noting that if an individual experiences a lapse in benefits, any chances of any claims they may have while trying to get re-enrolled shrink.

“Hospitals are, in my conversations with many of them, anticipating millions and millions of dollars of uncompensated care in 2027,” she said. “That’s just in the Capital Region.”

What about work requirements?

Under the new requirements, many adults between the ages of 19 and 64 will be required to meet work requirements of 80 hours a month to maintain their benefits.

The requirement can be satisfied by:

Earning an income of at least $580 a month.

Completing at least 80 hours per month of any of the activities or a combination of them:

Work in a job

Go to school at least half time

Join a job training or work program

Community volunteerism

Earn some income and complete hours of approved activities listed above.

The $580 income requirement is based on working 80 hours a month at the federal minimum wage of $7.25. So, if an individual earns a monthly income of $400, or 55 hours at the federal minimum wage, they will be required to complete 15 hours of other approved activities.

The state's Department of Health has a full listing of exemptions and additional details on who they apply to on its website at: https://bit.ly/4yKuEkm.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has said the requirements are intended to help “Americans build skills and independence through work, education, job training, or community services, creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.”

Horan, meanwhile, said she supports crackdown on wasteful and fraudulent spending, but noted that many who will be impacted by the changes are already navigating issues that makes it hard for them to enter the workforce and navigate the new requirements.

"We don't typically find that people don't want to do those things," she said. "What we find is that people don't have the resources, the knowledge, or need the support to move them through the process."

Are there exemptions?

There are a number of exemptions to the work requirement, according to the state’s Department of Health.

They apply to a parent, guardian or caregiver to a child under the age of 14 or a disabled individual. Those who are pregnant or were pregnant in the last 12 months are also exempt.

Other exemptions include individuals that are:

Enrolled in Medicaid with a disability

Diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard to work

Entitled to, or enrolled in Medicare Part A or enrolled in Part B

American Indian or Alaska Native

A parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caregiver to a disabled individual

A parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caregiver to a childâ¯under 14

In a SNAP household, and subject to SNAP work requirements

Enrolled in TANF and meeting TANF work requirements

In a program to help with drug or alcohol use

Currently in jail or prison, or released in the last 3 months

Currently in foster care

Under 26 and aged out of foster care

A veteran with a total disabilityâ¯â

The legislation also allows states to exempt a Medicaid community from the work requirements if they live in a county with a high unemployment rate at or above the lesser of 8% or 1.5 times the national unemployment rate. Bronx County in New York City is the only county that meets the standard, according to DeSouza, the Department of Health spokesperson.

There are more than 800,000 Medicaid recipients in the Bronx, according to the latest state data.

What we don’t know

Still unclear is exactly how many individuals who the new work requirement applies to are actually meeting the requirement.

It’s also unclear what physical and mental health conditions would qualify for the exemption.

The state’s Department of Health said it’s still “determining the best way to assess whether a physical or mental health condition makes it hard to meet the work requirements for Medicaid coverage."

The requirement has spawned a legal challenge from the American Medical Association and several national physician groups, arguing the the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services exceeded its statutory authority in imposing the restrictions.

“People living with serious or complex medical conditions should not lose their health coverage because of unnecessary administrative barriers," Dr. Willie Underwood, president of the American Medical Association, said in a statement. “Losing Medicaid coverage can mean losing access to essential medications, interrupting ongoing treatment, and putting patients’ health at risk.”

What resources are available?

Healthy Alliance is working with local hospitals and community health centers and other regional partners to connect Medicaid recipients with information and resources on how to navigate the new requirments.

That includes working to ensure individuals are connected with job and volunteer opportunities through referrals and connecting them with organizations that can help complete documentation and other requirements needed to enroll in Medicaid and maintain their benefits.

The organization also has more information on its website, healthyalliance.org.

"It's a complex process," Horan said. "It's going to be interesting to see how this all comes about. To be honest with you, I think some of this still remains to be seen."

CONSTANTINO'S CAMPAIGN PAID $28K TO LISBON WOMAN CONNECTED TO COMPLAINT AGAINST GENDEBIEN - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

CONSTANTINO'S CAMPAIGN PAID $28K TO LISBON WOMAN CONNECTED TO COMPLAINT AGAINST GENDEBIEN

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/29/26

Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino paid almost $30,000 to a woman linked to an unfounded legal complaint against his opponent, Democrat Blake Gendebien

The allegations about dump piles on Gendebien's dairy farm in Lisbon have become a hot topic in the race to replace Elise Stefanik in Congress.

In late September, Constantino’s campaign sent $28,000 to the woman from Lisbon who lives next door to Gendebien. The payment was first reported by City & State.

In records from the Federal Election Commission, the payment was for "GOTV Strategy Consulting." In an interview with City & State, Constantino called the woman's payment “a fractional amount.”

“I paid people for all sorts of things - sometimes it was just something nice for me,” Constantino added.

The woman's boyfriend and housemate worked on Gendebien’s farm for years before he was fired in the spring of 2024.

In a statement to NCPR, the woman claimed that back then, Gendebien was dumping dead cows on his land. Gendebien has denied that claim.

The woman also claimed that she told Gendebien in 2024 she would report him to the DEC. It’s unclear if she ever followed through.

A few weeks after paying the woman $28,000, Constantino publicly claimed that Gendebien was illegally polluting his farm. The woman denied being paid for the information.

Constantino's campaign also paid a private investigator who to look into the issue, and he published drone shots on social media that he claimed to be of Gendebien’s farm.

Ultimately, the DEC investigated a complaint it received about Gendebien's farm, but didn’t find that Gendebien was violating state law and closed the case.

In a statement on social media, Gendebien criticized Constantino for flying drones over his property and paying off his neighbors for a claim that the DEC determined was unfounded.

This incident comes near the end of a bitter and heated campaign between Constantino and Gendebien. Next Tuesday, voters in the 21st Congressional District will decide which one they want to send to Washington.

The Lodge at Schroon Lake named Resort of the Year - Adirondack Almanack (Saranac Lake, NY) Website

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

THE LODGE AT SCHROON LAKE NAMED RESORT OF THE YEAR

Adironack Almanack (Saranac Lake, NY)

10/29/26

The Lodge at Schroon Lake has been named the 2026 Resort of the Year by the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA) as part of its Stars of the Industry awards. The honor recognizes the resort’s contributions to tourism and economic growth in Schroon Lake and the surrounding Adirondack region.

Since opening in 2023, the Lodge at Schroon Lake has established itself as a gathering place for visitors and residents, welcoming families, wedding parties, corporate groups and community organizations to the 36-acre lakeside property. The lodge is a full-service resort with lakeside dining, outdoor recreation and year-round programming, and encourages guests to explore downtown Schroon Lake and support the town’s independent businesses.

The 2026 NYSHTA Stars of the Industry awards recognize excellence and achievement across New York State’s hospitality and tourism industry. The Lodge at Schroon Lake formally received its Resort of the Year award at the NYSHTA awards event on Oct. 26 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. The NYSHTA is the oldest state lodging association in the country. Stars of the Industry winners are selected through a structured nomination and peer-review process. An independent panel of judges evaluates each submission based on documented examples of exceptional service, guest testimonials, leadership and innovation.

“The lodge was built around the idea that a great resort can make a meaningful difference in the community around it,” said Chuck Donnelly, managing director of the Lodge at Schroon Lake. “We’re proud to welcome visitors to the Adirondacks while creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting organizations doing important work and giving our neighbors a place to gather throughout the year. This recognition is a testament to the team members and community partners who make that possible.”

The lodge’s community contributions include more than $15,000 raised for local nonprofits over the past two years through its Community Nights program and more than $50,000 in donated guestroom stays, event space, dining experiences and auction packages in 2026. The resort also partners with the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations to support community events and seasonal celebrations.

The lodge’s Schroon Lake Farmers Market Boat Cruise brings guests across the lake to meet local vendors, while a custom beer brewed in partnership with Paradox Brewery introduces visitors to a regional craft beverage producer. The resort also hosts seasonal festivities, including the signature Fire & Ice Festival, which saw its largest turnout to date in 2026. This year’s festival helped make Valentine’s Day one of the restaurant’s top three highest-grossing days in its history.

Located within walking distance of downtown Schroon Lake, the Lodge at Schroon Lake offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional guest rooms to chalets and glamping options, alongside a private beach, waterfront activities, dining at Brown Swan Tavern and programming for weddings, meetings and retreats.

REGIONAL OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM REPORTS RECORD VISITOR SPENDING - The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

REGIONAL OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM REPORTS RECORD VISITOR SPENDING

The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/28/26

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the destination marketing and management organization based in New York's Adirondack Park, reports that visitor spending across Essex, Hamilton, and Franklin counties is on track for a record year in 2026.

According to New York state data, county tax revenue from lodging, restaurants, and attractions is experiencing significant increases in 2026 compared to 2025. Essex County leads with an overall 10.9% increase, followed by Franklin County at 6.3% and Hamilton County at 3.91%. Revenue increases reflect continued traveler interest in visiting the Adirondacks and the impact of strategic marketing and destination management programs designed to strengthen local economies, support businesses, and encourage sustainable visitation throughout the year.

ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher explains the significance of increases in visitation and visitor spending, saying, “This exceptional performance translates to more income for local businesses and workers, along with increased tax revenue for local governments. We are particularly encouraged by the continued strength of leisure travel. In September of this year, lodging revenues increased 23.2%, indicating that our efforts to boost off-season visitation are working."

Data and analysis from Smith Travel Research, a leading hotel industry benchmarking and analytics provider, also reflect growth in lodging performance. Aggregate lodging revenue in Essex County has increased 13.3% over 2025, while hotel occupancy has increased 3.3% and average room rates have risen 10%. These results demonstrate that increased visitor spending, rather than simply higher visitation numbers, is contributing significantly to the region's tourism economy.

Each year, ROOST conducts proprietary research examining visitor experiences, preferred activities, travel patterns, length of stay, and spending. Combined with independent tourism industry research and state and county tax data, this information helps ROOST evaluate tourism's economic impact and develop marketing strategies that respond to travel trends, visitor preferences, and community needs.

According to Kelleher, ROOST's most recent leisure travel study identified that the average annual income of visitors throughout the region increased 5.4% over 2024. These visitors also spent 6.0% more during their stays compared to the previous year. "This data reinforces the importance of focusing on the economic value of visitation, rather than simply the number of visitors," said Kelleher.

ROOST's destination marketing and management plan focuses on a number of goals: reaching potential visitors with greater spending potential, encouraging visitors to stay within the region for a longer period of time, and encouraging them to explore communities throughout the region. This approach supports increased economic activity throughout the Adirondacks without relying solely on growth in visitor volume.

In 2026, several attractions and events encouraged visitation within a number of the Adirondack Park’s communities, including the 250th anniversary of the United States, which brought record visitation to Fort Ticonderoga, TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, World Cup and other championship events that took place at various ORDA venues, and numerous regional events, seasonal festivals and activities in communities throughout the Adirondacks.

ROOST promotes the Adirondacks through coordinated email marketing, social media, paid advertising campaigns, media relations activity, destination websites, and targeted content development. "Our goal isn't simply to bring more people to the Adirondacks," said Kelleher. "It's to attract visitors who are likely to spend more while they're here, encourage them to stay longer, and introduce them to experiences throughout the region.”

ROOST's marketing program is designed to remain flexible and responsive to changing conditions. Travel trends, visitor surveys, lodging statistics, and other market indicators allow the organization to adjust campaign timing, messaging, target audiences, and promotional priorities as needed.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.

113TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT CANDIDATES HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS ON AFFORDABILITY - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

113TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT CANDIDATES HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS ON AFFORDABILITY

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/28/26

The battle over New York’s 113th Assembly district is between a longtime Democratic incumbent and a Republican newcomer.

In separate interviews with public radio station WAMC, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and restaurant owner Allen Caruso agreed affordability is the district's biggest issue, but they have different ideas on how to lower prices.

The district is a gateway to the North Country from Glens Falls, south to Saratoga Springs, and east to Greenwich in Washington County.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner has represented it for more than a decade. Before earning her seat in 2014, Woerner held a vice president position at a conference software company called MeetMax.

Woerner, a Democrat, is an outlier in right-leaning northern New York. Neighboring districts make the 113th look like a spot of blue in a sea of red. But Woerner said she’s built trust with her constituents over her six terms in office. She can often be spotted at community events and has built a brand of bipartisanship.

At her swearing-in ceremony in 2014, Woerner said she didn't get there by "waging ideological warfare" and that she's "only interested in results" for the district.

Her Republican challenger Allen Caruso, however, said life in the 113th has only gotten harder during Woerner’s tenure. Caruso owns the Thorn + Roots restaurant in Saratoga Springs and has a background in real estate, something he said makes him uniquely tuned to housing issues and the challenges of running a small business.

"All I know is in the last decade, New York State has gotten more expensive to live, work, raise a family, and run a small business here," he told WAMC. "I'm tired, and everyone I talk to is tired.”

Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs are growing cities, but both candidates say housing is too expensive to sustain that growth. Data from Realtor.com shows the median home price in Saratoga Springs sits at over $800,000.

Woerner pointed to affordable housing initiatives she supported in the recently adopted state budget, including a condo community development in Saratoga Springs that she said will add starter homes to the market.

“If we can help that both by building some more apartments, but also by building the homeownership opportunities, the small starter homes, you can start to create flow through so that people aren't staying in apartments for an extended period of time,” she said.

Woerner also wants to expand development of "tiny home communities" for young people looking to buy their first home and seniors looking to downsize.

Caruso agreed development should focus on starter homes. But he said housing affordability will require more immediate actions, such as property tax exemptions for seniors and cutting red tape.

“I talked to a lot of builders, and they talk about the red tape and the regulations," he said. "[They tell me about] what they have to do right now to build a house and the time that adds to building a house.”

Both candidates said affordability also hinges on lowering energy costs across the state.

Earlier this month, National Grid predicted 3-5% rate hikes on electricity bills in upstate New York this winter. That’s about $22 to $39 more than last winter.

Woerner touted a bill she proposed that would incentivize construction of solar panel canopies over large parking lots, which she said would add power to the grid and lower costs. But she also acknowledged natural gas has a place in the state’s energy future.

“The more supply we have, the less the costs will rise," she told WAMC. "We have to fix that problem, and right now, the answer is more pipelines.”

Caruso blamed the state’s climate goals for rising costs. He said he would push to repeal parts of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for a 60% reduction in statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Caruso said he doesn’t want to see the state abandon fossil fuels just yet.

“Today's technology is so much further advanced. The power generators actually burn a lot cleaner," he said. "I think if we ease some of these mandates and some of these timelines, we could bring down the surcharges on our utility bills.”

In addition to housing and energy costs, Woerner and Caruso both entertain removing or reducing New York’s gas tax to lower prices at the pump.

Woerner called for bolstering volunteering at food pantries and expanding state food assistance programs in the wake of federal cuts to SNAP. Caruso said he wants to make it easier to start a small business to create jobs that will keep people in the district.

Republicans have a slight advantage, with about 3,000 more registered voters in the district compared to Democrats. But Woerner’s experience and the power of incumbency have proven to be an edge in years past.

Listen to the full interviews with Woerner and Caruso on WAMC's website.

JD VANCE PLANS TO RALLY WITH CONSTANTINO IN NY-21 - Times Union (Albany, NY) Website

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

JD VANCE PLANS TO RALLY WITH CONSTANTINO IN NY-21

Times Union (Albany, NY)

10/28/26

Vice President JD Vance is planning to headline a Monday rally in Ogdensburg to support Republican candidate Anthony Constantino in New York’s 21st Congressional District, according to people familiar with the event.

Vance’s planned appearance in St. Lawrence County is the latest sign that Constantino’s race against Democrat Blake Gendebien is tightening in its final days. Republicans have represented the core of the district — which covers the Adirondack Park as well as part of the Champlain, St. Lawrence and Mohawk valleys — for all but five years since the Civil War.

Vance’s plans were still being finalized, one of the people familiar with his travels said. Prominent Republicans were told Tuesday that a trip was expected on the day before polls open, two of the people said. Another person said the vice president had originally planned to have the event in New York on Oct. 31.

The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Constantino’s campaign declined to comment.

U.S. Secret Service agents were spotted canvassing Ogdensburg International Airport this week to see if it would be suitable for the vice president’s plane to arrive there, according to a person briefed on their actions. The agents ultimately decided Vance would instead land at the nearby airfield at the Fort Drum military base in Jefferson County, the person said. A spokeswoman for Fort Drum declined to comment on whether the vice president planned to arrive there.

The district is represented by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik. The Republican incumbent isn’t seeking reelection to a seventh term, but had won her congressional races by comfortable margins, including a 24-point victory in 2024.

Constantino, the CEO of the company Sticker Mule, has made a name for himself with a strong loyalty for President Donald J. Trump, numerous theatrical antics and a brash social media personality that has occasionally landed him in hot water — even among members of his own party.

He faces Democrat Blake Gendebien, a dairy farmer from the town of Lisbon, just 12 miles away from Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County. Gendebien has run his campaign as a bipartisan moderate willing to work with both sides while criticizing the president over policies such as the implementation of tariffs with Canada.

A recent Siena Research Institute poll sponsored by the Times Union showed Gendebien with a four-point lead over Constantino. Other polls, including some previously released by the Gendebien campaign, have shown Constantino with a slight edge. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report changed its rating of the district twice this year from “solid Republican” to “lean Republican.”

Constantino has previously appeared with the president at rallies held in Long Island and Syracuse, but the planned Ogdensburg rally would mark the first time someone from the White House would appear at a rally held within the North Country congressional district this midterm season. Vance has recently stumped with Republican candidates in Michigan, Montana and Alaska as the battle for control of Congress unfolds.

Early voting in the 21st District, which began on Saturday, has surged compared to two years ago. Across the 15 counties that make up NY-21, early voting totals in the first weekend saw increases ranging from 100% to more than 235% in Washington County. In St. Lawrence County, where the rally would take place, early voting totals were up by 196% in the first two days of early voting.

The Gendebien campaign said in a statement that Vance’s planned trip is an admission by Constantino that Republicans are at risk of losing the seat. The Democrat also noted the significance of having the rally in Ogdensburg, located across the St. Lawrence River from Canada and site of a bridge connecting the two countries.

“You don’t fly the vice president into a plus-24 seat the day before the election unless you know you’re losing it,” said Gendebien campaign spokesman Michael Waller. “If the administration wants to see what its trade war did, Ogdensburg is the right stop.”

NY-21: DEMOCRAT BLAKE GENDEBIEN BANKS ON A MODERATE APPROACH TO FLIP THE DISTRICT - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

NY-21: DEMOCRAT BLAKE GENDEBIEN BANKS ON A MODERATE APPROACH TO FLIP THE DISTRICT

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/27/26

Dozens of people packed into Heartwood Hall in Potsdam in early October, filling up old church pews as a live band strummed on stage.

The crowd was gathered to hear from three Democrats, including Blake Gendebien, who is running to represent New York's 21st Congressional District.

Gendebien introduced himself to the room of voters. "Who wants to help me bring back the balance of power to the House of Representatives?" Gendebien said to a round of applause.

The Democrat and dairy farmer from the St. Lawrence County town of Lisbon is running against Republican Anthony Constantino, the CEO of a sticker company based in Amsterdam, just outside of the 21st district.

The two candidates have taken a drastically different approach to the campaign, with Constantino frequently launching attack ads and posting allegations against his opponent on social media. Gendebien, meanwhile, has mostly stayed out of the fight, focusing on folksy meet-and-greet events and trying to appeal to a broad swath of voters in the middle.

Meeting voters, learning about issues

Gendebien’s campaign for Congress began nearly two years ago, when Democrats rallied behind him for a special election that never happened.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has represented the North Country since 2015, had hoped to serve as the Ambassador to the United Nations before President Donald Trump withdrew her nomination. She launched a short-lived bid for Governor before dropping out of that race and announcing her retirement at the end of this term.

When he’s not on his farm in Lisbon, Gendebien has been crisscrossing the district over the last few months. He’s held events in Boonville, Johnsburg, Akwesasne, and Glens Falls, where Catherine Atherden met Gendebien.

Atherden leads the North Country Light Brigade, which holds regular rallies in the Glens Falls area for Democratic candidates like Gendebien.

"He’s just been everywhere," said Atherden. "He’s gone to the Washington County Fair, he’s been here a couple of times, he came here with Jamie Raskin one time, so we’re just pleased as punch to have somebody listen to us.”

Along with campaign events, Gendebien has also held roundtable discussions to learn more about healthcare, disability rights, and most recently, about energy policy.

Travis Flint was part of the energy roundtable in Plattsburgh. He’s from IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The North Country chapter of IBEW has endorsed Gendebien for Congress.

Flint feels like Gendebien really understands and respects union workers.

"He comes and talks to us, asks us questions about policy and how it would affect us, and seems to really listen," said Flint. "He remembers what we’ve talked about when you see him later, so he seems like just such a down-to-earth guy.”

Endorsements and criticisms

Along with the IBEW endorsement, Gendebien has also been endorsed by the New York State United Teachers, the New York State Nurses Association, and NY's Public Employees Federation.

His opponent, Republican Anthony Constantino, has been endorsed by the NRA, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, New York State Right to Life, the National Federation of Independent Business, as well as President Donald Trump.

Constantino has taken an aggressive approach to the campaign, launching attack ads and lobbing allegations against Gendbien. For the most part, Gendbien has stayed out of the fight. But he’s faced some criticisms from the left, like after an ad ran earlier this summer on TV.

“I served on the school board and coached JV basketball. Keeping kids safe was my job and I’ve always been clear- boys shouldn’t play on girls' sports teams," Gendebien says in the ad.

"The thing is, in 20 years raising a family here, I haven't heard this issue come up, not once, but internet trolls like Anthony Constantino use it to rile people up.”

Despite how Gendebien framed the issue, the ad sparked outrage from some voters, like Seanna Petrichor from Potsdam.

“To me that is a piece of anti-trans dog whistle that has no place up here in District 21," said Petrichor.

It’s unclear how many voters were turned off by Gendebien’s ad and how much the issue matters to people in this election. In a survey NCPR conducted a few months ago of more than 400 people, the top concerns respondents shared were healthcare and affordability.

On the issue of trans rights, Gendebien said in a statement he supports the LGBTQ community, but also has “genuine concerns about fairness and safety in competition.”

Moderate approach to issues

Gendebien has taken a moderate approach to many issues, like gun rights, climate change, and immigration.

He supports securing the border and deporting criminals, but Gendebien also wants more immigration judges and a legal path for an immigrant workforce.

Gendebien has also criticized New York’s climate policies, saying they’ve gone too far and cost New Yorkers too much. He summarized his overall political stance at a recent event at the VFW in Saranac Lake.

"I am interested in staying in the middle. I am a conservative, free-market capitalist Democrat and I am very proud of that," said Gendebien.

Dozens of people were at the event in early October. The VFW said it also invited Constantino, but never heard back.

Many folks in the crowd said they supported Gendebien; some had already cast their ballots for him. Steve Erman stood up and thanked Gendebien for the campaign he’s run and the issues he’s talked about.

"I am very appreciative of your interest in veterans affairs and your focus on issues rather than all of the crap that Anthony Constantino just seems to be focused on," said Erman.

Declining a debate

One criticism Gendebien did face from a few people in Saranac Lake was his decision not to debate Constantino. Gendebien told the crowd that he was open to a debate back in September, but by October said he was too busy meeting voters around the district.

Phil Newton urged him to reconsider. He said Gendebien should have made time to debate and criticized him for not facing off against Constantino.

"I don’t think it’s a smart move politically, but it’s also not a good move, frankly ethically, because the voters deserve that," said Newton.

Ultimately, Constantino scheduled a debate with CBS Channel 6, where he was asked about trade policies, rural healthcare, high energy costs, and the Iran war. Constantino criticized Gendebien for not showing up.

"My opponent doesn’t want to be here, which is why he doesn’t want to run for this position, which is why he’s not here debating today," said Constantino.

Maggie Bartley, chair of the Essex County Democratic Committee, said in early October she thought it was the right move for Gendebien not to debate Constantino.

"I just think we’re close enough to the finish line that Blake is doing the right thing by talking to the people and visiting people, meeting with people, rather than having some kind of food fight," said Bartley.

Can Gendebien turn excitement into voter turnout?

The odds are stacked against Gendebien in this election, since there are about 80,000 more Republicans in the district than there are Democrats, but some polls and political ratings have been increasingly more favorable to Gendebien.

Cook Political Report shifted the district twice in recent months, from solidly Republican, to likely Republican, and now to leaning Republican.

In early October, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee took note of Gendebien's increasing odds and began offering him fundraising and organizational support. Bartley said that was another signal that Gendebien has a shot next Tuesday.

"The fact that [the DCCC] is coming in, I think, says they see real possibility here and I’m excited. We’re all excited, all of us Democrats and many other people are excited, too," said Bartley.

Gendebien will need that excitement to translate to votes on Election Day.

Back in June, just 11% of Democrats cast ballots in the primaries, compared to about 20% of Republicans. Gendebien will need to boost turnout and appeal to enough independent voters and Republicans to flip the district on Tuesday.

A TRUMP DIE-HARD IS SUDDENLY AT RISK IN AN UPSTATE G.O.P. DISTRICT - The New York Times (New York, NY) Website

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

A TRUMP DIE-HARD IS SUDDENLY AT RISK IN AN UPSTATE G.O.P. DISTRICT

The New York Times (New York, NY)

10/27/26

In a Republican stronghold in northern New York, the race to replace Representative Elise Stefanik has had something of a carnivalesque feel, driven by Anthony Constantino, the Republican heir apparent.

There was the wall of frozen turkeys that served as a backdrop to his campaign launch. The rap album that he made in tribute to President Trump, or the seven-foot bronze statue of Mr. Trump that he gave to the president.

But as Election Day nears, Mr. Constantino’s showmanship, as well as his feverish loyalty to Mr. Trump, may have opened the door for his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien, to flip a seat that has been under Republican control for most of the last 150 years.

A Siena University poll released in early October showed Mr. Gendebien (pronounced GEN-da-bean) with a narrow edge over Mr. Constantino, a remarkable turn in a district where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by 80,000 voters.

The shifts in the district have jolted the Democratic campaign apparatus into action. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added the 21st Congressional District to its Red to Blue program this month, unlocking operational and financial support for Mr. Gendebien to combat the $16 million Mr. Constantino has plowed into his self-funded campaign.

Mr. Gendebien, 49, a second-generation dairy farmer, attributed the tightening of the race to his message of bringing down fuel and fertilizer costs resonating with voters. “We’re thrilled we’re hitting all the right notes,” he said in an interview last week.

“And,” he added as almost an afterthought, “we have uniquely the worst Republican opponent in the United States in Constantino.”

Given the district’s conservative history, Mr. Gendebien has been mindful of maintaining a Republican-friendly message of improving economic conditions for residents of the North Country by reversing cuts to rural health care, undoing “burdensome” environmental regulations and repairing relations with Canada.

“I am a conservative, old-school, free-market capitalist Democrat,” Mr. Gendebien said of his political philosophy. He calls himself a patriot, and is careful to distance himself from others in his party — particularly the top of the ticket, Gov. Kathy Hochul.

In the Siena poll of likely voters in the 21st District, Ms. Hochul trailed her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, by a double-digit margin.

Even so, Ms. Hochul has been a major supporter of Mr. Gendebien’s campaign, talking him up to major donors and House leadership, and sharing a field office in the North Country.

The race had the early markings of a blowout. Ms. Stefanik has owned the seat since being elected in 2014, and her fervent defense of Mr. Trump helped elevate her own, short-lived challenge to Ms. Hochul’s re-election bid this year.

But Ms. Stefanik surprisingly decided to bow out of the race, simultaneously announcing that she would leave Congress after finishing out her term this year.

Mr. Constantino, a 43-year-old sticker magnate who won attention by erecting a 12-foot-high “VOTE FOR TRUMP” sign atop his company’s headquarters in Amsterdam, N.Y., easily won his party’s primary even while antagonizing local Republican leaders.

During the primary, Mr. Constantino viciously mocked his Republican rival, Assemblyman Robert Smullen. He repeatedly found himself in publicized feuds with Republican and Conservative leaders, and once accused Gerard Kassar, the Conservative Party chairman, of threatening to kill him. (He also accused Mr. Kassar of cutting the brake lines in the car of one of his staffers; Mr. Kassar sued for defamation.)

He’s also come under fire for the company he keeps. There was the Nevada man who had an open murder charge he briefly employed, and the two business associates who were arrested after a man claimed they beat, kidnapped and threatened to set him on fire. That’s on top of his director of communications, who was accused of swindling a Little League team, and another aide who pleaded guilty to harassment after accusations he molested a 14-year old.
Mr. Constantino has said that he believes in giving people second chances, saying in an interview earlier this year that it was not his job to “further punish people beyond what the justice system deems appropriate.”

As the race draws closer, Mr. Constantino has not strayed from his showmanship ways. In August, he sent Mr. Gendebien — a former vice chairman of the cooperative that produces Cabot cheese — a gourmet cheese basket.

On Saturday, he staged a mock debate in a parking lot stacked with pumpkins, using a person in a chicken costume as a stand-in for Mr. Gendebien, who was not present.

And then there are the drones.

According to reports filed with the New York State Police, drones have been observed flying above Mr. Gendebien’s farm at odd hours, and Mr. Gendebien believes that Mr. Constantino is responsible.

Mr. Constantino admitted as much when he announced earlier this month that he had video evidence that Mr. Gendebien had been polluting his farm, releasing overhead footage of pockets of debris.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation investigated a complaint of illegal dumping and found no violations. Still, Mr. Gendebien said that the drone visits had not stopped, including some in the dead of night.

The contest’s detour to a dispute over drones has puzzled longtime Republican voters like Christina Myers, who runs the Old Saratoga Mercantile in Schuylerville, not far from where Ms. Stefanik lives.

Ms. Myers said she no longer casts her vote based on party lines. Indeed, in front of her store sit signs for two local politicians, one Republican and one Democrat.

She said she was no fan of Mr. Constantino’s unwavering loyalty to Mr. Trump, and expressed skepticism over some of his tactics — the drones in particular.

“When I first heard that I thought, I don’t want drones flying over my property,” Ms. Myers said. “I think that’s dirty. I don’t like that.”

Ms. Myers suggested that Mr. Constantino focus on his record and his actions in Congress if he were to win. Still, she wondered if Mr. Gendebien was polluting.

Mr. Gendebien strenuously denied the pollution allegations, and said that his background as a local businessman made him the ideal candidate to represent the North Country’s economic interests, especially if Democrats take control of the House.

“Do we want an antagonistic minority freshman congressman who is going to get nothing for the district for the next two years?” he said. Or, he went on, “do we want a congressman who’s in the majority that will very likely be able to bring things back?”

ADIRONDACK RAIL TRAIL CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW LAKE PLACID TRAILHEAD - Adirondack Almanack (Saranac Lake, NY) Website

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

ADIRONDACK RAIL TRAIL CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW LAKE PLACID TRAILHEAD

Adirondack Almanack (Saranac Lake, NY)

10/25/26

The Open Space Institute’s (OSI) President and CEO Erik Kulleseid, New York State Empire State Development (ESD) President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton, Village of Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin, and Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) Executive Director Julia Goren celebrated the opening of a new Lake Placid trailhead, a gateway that improves eastern access to the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail (ART).

The trailhead, located at 162 Station Street, offers residents and visitors a convenient place to start exploring the ART, which connects Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

“The Lake Placid trailhead creates a premier entryway to one of the region’s most popular recreation corridors, providing significant upgrades for thousands of annual visitors,” Kulleseid said. “OSI is proud to have worked with partners and stakeholders to bring the Lake Placid Trailhead to life. This is a powerful example of how the Environmental Protection Fund helps deliver tangible benefits for New Yorkers.”

“Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to invest in transformational projects that boost local tourism, support regional businesses, and enhance the quality of life for North Country residents,” Knight said. “Empire State Development is proud to support this new Lake Placid Trailhead, which creates an inviting gateway to the popular Adirondack Rail Trail and will drive economic activity by connecting outdoor enthusiasts to the region’s vibrant communities.”

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “In the year since Gov. Kathy Hochul first announced completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail, it is exciting to continue celebrating the ongoing community investments in the trail’s success, like the new Lake Placid trailhead. DEC is proud to continue supporting efforts to unite the tri-lakes communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake in a way that embraces and respects the wilderness around us and allows users to fully immerse themselves in the Adirondacks.”

Now complete, the trailhead features a pavilion with picnic tables; a parking area with more than 40 spaces; EV charging stations; ADA-compliant restrooms; a kiosk and signage; bicycle racks; a bicycle repair station; and eco-friendly lighting.

OSI designed, fundraised and managed the $2 million project in partnership with the Village of Lake Placid. The construction was supported by a $500,000 New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant from the NYS OPRHP through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 and $300,000 from ESD’s Regional Council Capital Funds Program.

EPF support was also key in the village’s purchase of the small parcel of land on which the trailhead was constructed. The property was acquired with OSI’s assistance from the Lake Placid–North Elba Historical Society, supported by a $300,000 EPF grant through DEC’s Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Grant program.

The trailhead was completed thanks to the generosity of OSI Trustee John Ernst, in memory of his wife Margot, who passed away earlier this year. Margot was a prominent philanthropist and environmental leader in the North Country, serving on boards for the Adirondack Community Trust, Adirondack Experience, Northern Forest Atlas, and the executive council of North Country Public Radio. The trailhead’s pavilion has been named in honor of Margot Ernst.

EDITORIAL: PROTECT THE ADIRONDACK PARK OR LOSE IT - The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) Website

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

EDITORIAL: PROTECT THE ADIRONDACK PARK OR LOSE IT

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

10/25/26

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

They also say it takes dedicated public servants at all levels of government, countless advocacy groups, thousands of local residents, millions of state residents and visitors, and an overall respect for our natural resources, wildlife and the environment to protect the nation’s largest state park.

OK, nobody says that. But that doesn’t make any of it untrue.

The Adirondack Council last week issued its 45th annual report on the state of the Adirondack Park, the state’s 6-million-acre treasure whose land, water and communities faces growing challenges.

The report cited several factors affecting the park’s future, including the significant weakening of federal protections under the Trump administration, positive but inconsistent legislative action from the state government in Albany, a major transition in political representation that puts the fate of initiatives to protect the park in a state of uncertainty, and natural threats to the park from climate change and other environmental hazards.

The past year has seen both positive and negative actions by public officials, according to the report, which singled out as positives support in the state Legislature for environmental funding, resistance to efforts to motorize wilderness areas and legislation to pause the development of environmental threats like data centers.

Among the negatives cited were modifications to state climate legislation and the state Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), failure to address the use of harmful road salt on Adirondack roads and failure to develop closed prison facilities within the park.

This report should be a warning and a renewed call to action to anyone with an interest in ensuring the future of this incredible resource, located within a day’s drive of most people reading this editorial.

Individuals have an immediate opportunity to have an impact on the park’s future by calling on political candidates for Congress, the state Legislature, statewide government and local office to state or renew their support of environmental protections at the state and national level.

Use your power of the polls last week and next to urge candidates to support legislation that preserves open space while also allowing for rational development, economic opportunity and public access for the park’s 130,000 full-time residents and 12 million annual visitors.

People can also contribute to the park’s future by supporting advocacy groups like the Adirondack Council, Protect the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Wild, the Lake George Association, the Open Space Institute and others through financial contributions and by joining and supporting their efforts.

Become familiar with the issues facing the park and become an advocate yourself, by attending local government meetings in park communities or participating in the public sessions of the Adirondack Park Agency, the state agency created more than half a century ago to protect the public and private resources of the park and to manage long-range planning.

Anyone can play a part just by visiting the park, by respecting its natural resources, following the rules and regulations designed to protect the landscape and waterways, and by sharing your experiences with others.

The Adirondack Park is an immense, diverse and unique natural resource that serves all New Yorkers by providing recreational opportunities, economic benefits and one of the best preserved wilderness environments in the world — right in our own backyard.

If we ignore the threats to the park and do nothing to thwart them, we risk losing it.

And that would be a tragedy as large at the park itself.

Northern Forest Center balances forest conservation with economic growth - Times Union (Albany, NY) Website

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

NORTHERN FOREST CENTER BALANCES FOREST CONSERVATION WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH

Times Union (Albany, NY)

10/23/26

In a world where economic development often comes at the expense of natural resources, ecology and economy are often at odds.

But in the Northern Forest — the vast swath of woods that covers the Adirondacks and northern New England — there is an organization that works to balance ecology and economy. The Northern Forest Center, based in New Hampshire, harmonizes the conservation of the forest with the needs of its people to build a sustainable economy.

“I would describe ourselves as an innovative and investment partner to communities and businesses,” said Joe Short, the vice president of the Northern Forest Center. “We are a unique organization with roots in community development, forest stewardship, conservation and economic development. What we try to bring is focus to a strong and vibrant future for the northern forest region.”

That means partnering with communities in the Adirondacks, northern Vermont, New Hampshire and most of Maine to build housing that avoids sprawl, cultivate outdoor recreational spaces to bolster tourism and fortify the wood-product markets for those whose livelihood depends on the forest.

“Forests have been fundamental forever for people who have lived in this place,” Short said. “But in recent decades, the region has been really challenged by changes, particularly to (the) forest-products economy. The economic change leads to population loss, particularly of the younger people, job losses and increasing rates of poverty, something none of us want to see.”

Short said it’s important to care about this as the Northern Forest, which extends into Canada, is “globally significant.” Short said it is the largest intact forest east of the Mississippi and the source of several rivers' headwaters, including the Hudson. He said it also provides the region with clean air, clean water and carbon cycling.

“Healthy forests are so important,” he said. “They are the lungs of the planet and they support biodiversity.”

Thus, it stands to reason, helping the people helps the forest.

Leslie Karasin, the center’s Adirondack program director, said that one of the core issues the center is addressing is attracting workers in an area where it is difficult to find housing. She said employers in Elizabethtown, the Essex County seat, struggle to find professionals to work for the county, the Elizabethtown Community Hospital and construction jobs because there is a shortage of homes.

“What we are trying to do is step on the scales, to make sure the communities have enough people, infrastructure and housing,” Karasin said. “The pattern of development that we are supporting is completely consistent with the model of the Adirondacks, dense development in localized hamlets. Our communities can’t persist into the future if we don’t have a workforce, if we don’t have young people or have kids in schools. All of those things are critical for communities to be vibrant places.”

As part of that work, Karasin said the center recently helped build nine new apartments in Tupper Lake. The center is also currently addressing the issue of wastewater in Elizabethtown because everyone, including the hospital, is on a private septic system.

“It is the only county seat that doesn’t have wastewater infrastructure,” Karasin said. “We have aging septic systems and that is causing environmental problems.”

The center has also helped Chestertown earn its state historic designation so that it will be eligible for more grant funding. In Keene, the center helped to build a trail, to boost its visitor economy.

To move the projects forward requires funding — public, private and philanthropic — which the center also helps local officials access.

“Identifying funds can be hard to navigate, particularly when you are talking about state and federal funding,” Short said. “For the housing project in Tupper Lake, we found a couple of different sources of money from New York state, private investment and philanthropic capital. We help communities identify resources and put them together to where they need to be.”

One of the center’s most pressing issues currently is related to Finch Paper ceasing its wood pulp production in Glens Falls. Short said that harms truckers, loggers and foresters whose livelihoods depended on providing Finch with raw materials.

“It’s really important to support these jobs,” Short said. “Obviously, it is a challenge that not any one organization can tackle on its own. We are looking for ways to align and connect with partners that we might not otherwise connect with. This is a very complex issue. But the result is the same, we have a really large hole in the wood market in our region.”

The center’s efforts all lead to one goal: economic viability for those living within its reach.

“The housing and community development we have done is intentional,” Karasin said. “People are concerned about the forest being chopped up for new development. We are about locating in existing communities, so it doesn’t cause sprawl that bisects the forest, and having a strong forest product sector so our foresters and loggers can make a living. It is part of keeping our forest intact and our communities vibrant.”

Constantino will debate mystery Democrat on Saturday - The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) Website

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

CONSTANTINO WILL DEBATE MYSTERY DEMOCRAT ON SATURDAY

The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)

10/22/26

In the greatest mystery since “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” Congressional candidate Anthony Constantino will be debating a secret Democratic opponent Saturday.

Constantino announced Wednesday night that he would be debating a “prominent New York Democrat” at Sticker Mule headquarters in Amsterdam Saturday at 3 p.m.

Constantino and his NY-21 Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien are not slated to hold a debate before the Nov. 3 balloting, with Constantino now turning to a mystery Democratic opponent instead.

The debate, which will be moderated by former NEWS10 ABC host James De La Fuente, will pit the Republican Constantino against an unknown person.

Constantino aide Kevin Capolino would not provide the identity of the mystery opponent Thursday, but did say the person is a “household name.”

According to Constantino, his campaign will not be releasing the identity of the Democratic opponent to protect them from “public pressure campaigns.”

“[Gov.] Kathy Hochul is going to be a little upset when she finds out who is coming,” Constantino declared in a statement.

Gendebien opted not to appear at a CBS6 debate against Constantino on Oct. 6, leaving Constantino to debate an empty podium instead.

Gendebien, an Ogdensburg farmer, turned down a half dozen potential debate dates from CBS6, opting to take part in a campaign event in Plattsburgh on the night of the debate.

Adirondack towns approve record number of shoreline setback exceptions - Adirondack Explorer (Saranac Lake, NY) Website

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

ADIRONDACK TOWNS APPROVE RECORD NUMBER OF SHORELINE SETBACK EXCEPTIONS

Adirondack Explorer (Saranac Lake, NY)

10/22/26

Requests for shoreline setback variances have reached record levels in Adirondack communities, particularly those on Lake George, driven in part by a surge of converting camps into year-round homes, Adirondack Park Agency (APA) data reveals.

The APA Act calls for shoreline restrictions to limit development to a certain distance from the waterfront, “in order to provide adequate protection of the quality of the lakes, ponds, rivers and streams of the park and the qualities of their shorelines.”

The process in the Adirondacks

The 18 towns in the park with APA-approved land use plans make decisions on variances in cases where they deem exceptions to the restrictions are justified.

For projects outside of hamlet areas, the towns send approved variances to the agency for review. If APA staff determines the variance rules were improperly applied, they can reverse the local determination and overturn it.

APA staff said they work closely with local officials and zoning boards to ensure the land use plans are carried out. Robyn Burgess, a local community specialist with APA, said the agency hopes that reversals are opportunities to help local boards approve their internal process, reducing the likelihood of future reversals. The reversals are spelled out in memos detailing why APA did not think the variance was justified.

“A reversal is a well thought out and detailed decision that aims to inform and not scold (the local zoning board),” Burgess told the agency board Thursday. “We do not take reversal lightly.”

What the numbers show

During a presentation this week at the park agency’s monthly board meeting, Burgess shared that the number of approved variances has more than doubled in the past 10 years, rising from nearly 80 in 2015 to 169 in 2025. The agency had received 116 referrals so far this year.

APA staff reverse a small share of the locally-approved variances, less than 5% each year. Reversals typically occurred when APA staff determined a local zoning board failed to consider the required criteria for granting an exception. Within hamlet areas, however, those same municipal boards review and approve shoreline variances without secondary state oversight.

Reasons for variances

The setback requirements range from 50 feet in hamlets to 100 feet in other areas and apply to all new structures over 100 square feet. Proposals range from accessibility improvements for aging homeowners to, in one case of an agency reversal, building a 300-foot retaining wall and artificial beach on Brant Lake. Many properties established prior to the APA Act include pre-existing, non-comforming structures and need a variance to expand living space, enlarge a deck or increase building height.

When evaluating variance requests, local zoning boards weigh criteria related to the need and impact of the variance and balancing the benefits to the applicant and the potential detriment to the broader community.

The vast majority of variance referrals concern projects around Lake George, where the towns of Bolton, Horicon, Hague and Queensbury account for the most variance referrals, APA staff showed during the presentation. Queensbury, which partly crosses into the Blue Line and includes a major portion of Lake George’s southern shoreline, accounts for the most variance referrals and reversals in the past five years, according to records previously obtained by Adirondack Explorer.

NBC5 SITS DOWN WITH BOTH CANDIDATES FOR NYS' 45TH SENATE DISTRICT - NBC 5 (Burlington, VT) Website

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

NBC5 SITS DOWN WITH BOTH CANDIDATES FOR NYS' 45TH SENATE DISTRICT

NBC 5 (Burlington, VT)

10/22/26

Republican state Sen. Dan Stec and Democratic challenger Melissa Seale are outlining their priorities as they vie for New York's 45th District state Senate seat, with early voting beginning Saturday and running through Nov. 1.

Stec has represented the district for six years and previously ran unopposed. This election cycle, he faces Seale, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Glens Falls Hospital and founder of a business focused on expanding mental healthcare access for children.

Seale, a mother of three, said her top priorities include expanding access to healthcare and reducing housing costs.

"There's not a lot of places where families can earn a living and live in the North Country and broadband access. We've been talking about that for quite some time, but I think that's a key piece in order to improve telehealth services for healthcare, remote job access and sustain families in the North Country," Seale said.

Stec, a Navy veteran and former assemblyman for eight years, criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul's handling of high energy costs, noting that New York state energy rates are 61% above the national average.

"We need to roll up our sleeves, keep bringing the message and keep insisting on cost-benefit analysis and then explanation. Why are we 61% above the national average?" Stec said.

Following a recent strike by corrections officers over workplace safety concerns, Seale added increased corrections staffing to her agenda.

"So we need to look at a different way of tackling the system so that we're supporting our corrections officers and growing the corrections environment because we can't let people go and, and really decrease the level of services in this area because it's such a need," Seale said.

Both candidates agree that the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement in prisons, should be repealed until proper corrections staffing is in place.

On the topic of bail reform, Stec opposes current policies, describing them as a "revolving door" that has increased crime.

"Only the most outrageous and violent crimes are subject to bail, and, you know, so you've got a lot of repeat offenders that are just constantly out there terrorizing their communities, their homes, their families," Stec said.

Both candidates have ties to the North Country and believe they are the best fit to serve the region.

EMERALD ASH BORER MAKING PRESENCE KNOWN IN ESSEX COUNTY - The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

EMERALD ASH BORER MAKING PRESENCE KNOWN IN ESSEX COUNTY

The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/21/26

Winter is coming, but if this year brings another mild winter, local and state officials urge residents to watch for emerald ash borer (EAB) larvae taking up residence in ash trees.

Known as ash tree killers, these metallic green-winged, wood-boring beetles are originally from Asia. “It was accidentally transported in infested crates and pallets to the United States, where a lack of natural controls such as predators and disease allowed the population to grow rapidly,” according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website. “Since its introduction, it has killed millions of ash trees and has cost billions of dollars in damage and loss.”

The invasive beetle was first spotted in New York in the spring of 2009 in the Town of Randolph in Cattaraugus County. However, they weren’t discovered in the Adirondack Park until August 2020 at the Warren County Canoe Launch on the Schroon River.

Since that initial find, this species has spread rapidly throughout the region. For instance, earlier this fall, the Town of Keene announced in its quarterly newsletter that EABs had been discovered throughout the town.

“Essex County Soil & Water gave the update during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting,” said Town of Keene Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson. “It seemed like a good update to share with the community.”

Although extreme winter cold can kill some EAB larvae, they may survive as long as they remain tucked safely under the bark. Milder winters have unfortunately increased that chance of survival.

The larvae feed on the inner tissue of an ash tree, and as adults mature and exit the tree, they leave holes and infect it, giving it about two to four more years to live.

According to the DEC, ash species — white, black, and green — make up almost 8% of all trees in the state. Damage is most severe in the Champlain Valley and riparian zones, where ash species make up 20% to 30% of some forested areas.

“Keene is so heavily forested, so the EABs are really changing the landscape by eliminating a whole species of tree,” Wilson said. Not only that, but ash is commercially valuable, and its seeds feed birds and mammals.

Since the DEC and Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) discovered the EAB in the Adirondacks, they have released host-specific parasitic wasps at multiple sites to target EAB populations.

To help combat this infestation, both organizations encourage local residents to check their ash trees for these signs: distinctive D-shaped exit holes left by emerging adults, S-shaped larval galleries carved beneath the bark, light-colored patches on the trunk where birds strip bark to feed on larvae, and yellowing or premature dropping of leaves.

Limited systemic insecticide treatments are available for high-value property trees, requiring reapplication every two years, and state regulations restrict firewood movement to within 50 linear miles of its source or origin to prevent new outbreaks, as human transport of infested firewood is the primary driver of long-distance spread.

To report a suspected EAB infestation or damaged ash tree, email photos of the insect, larvae, or tree damage to the DEC at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov; call the DEC Forest Health Information Line at 1-866-640-0652, or check out the iMapInvasives App.

HOCHUL LEADS BLAKEMAN BY 14 POINTS IN LATEST POLL - The New York Times (New York, nY) Website

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

HOCHUL LEADS BLAKEMAN BY 14 POINTS IN LATEST POLL

The New York Times (New York, NY)

10/21/26

Gov. Kathy Hochul is running well ahead of her Republican opponent in next month’s election, according to a new statewide survey released on Wednesday, even as likely voters continue to signal their ambivalence toward how she has run the state.

With 55 percent support, Ms. Hochul leads her Republican opponent, the Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman, by 14 percentage points among likely voters, according to the poll conducted by Quinnipiac University.

The results generally fell in line with several nonpartisan statewide surveys, which found Ms. Hochul leading Mr. Blakeman by between nine and 13 percentage points. Quinnipiac’s most recent poll in September found the governor with a 19-point lead. This survey, which was conducted from Oct. 15 to Oct. 19, polled 1,167 likely voters across the state and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Despite her sizable and stable lead, just 49 percent of likely voters approved of the job Ms. Hochul has done as governor, while 45 percent expressed disapproval.

In voter-rich New York City, Ms. Hochul leads Mr. Blakeman by nearly 50 percentage points in the Quinnipiac poll. Her campaign advisers have been apprehensive in recent weeks over whether city voters, who have few competitive contests on their ballots, will show up.

Ms. Hochul’s campaign advisers believe that Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is vastly more popular than the governor in the city, can help as he continues to campaign for her.

Mary Snow, the Quinnipiac poll assistant director, noted that Ms. Hochul was doing better with voters in New York City in this survey compared with a poll taken at about the same time four years ago. In that race against Lee Zeldin, then a Republican congressman who now leads the Environmental Protection Agency, Ms. Hochul ended up winning by six percentage points.

Mr. Blakeman has pilloried the governor in recent months on affordability issues, including rising taxes and utility costs for residents, and her immigration policies, such as her decision to ban formal cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local police officers. Even so, she appears to be winning the economic argument despite his attacks.

Respondents to the Quinnipiac poll indicated that the two most important issues to them are the economy and the cost of living, with immigration coming in a distant third. Those who listed the economy or the cost of living as the most important issue favored Ms. Hochul by about 50 percentage points over Mr. Blakeman. Among likely voters who said immigration was the most important issue to them, Mr. Blakeman leads the governor by about 40 percentage points.

“Compared to a month ago, he is better known and he’s improved his image among independents,” Ms. Snow said of Mr. Blakeman. “Still, nearly a quarter of voters overall don’t know enough about him. In a race like this, that’s important.”

Ms. Hochul finds herself in a commanding position financially as well, with far more money available to her than Mr. Blakeman. Her campaign announced on Wednesday that between the state Democratic Party and her campaign, Ms. Hochul effectively had a combined $22 million in cash on hand as early voting was to begin Saturday.

Much of that money is expected to pay for campaign ads linking Mr. Blakeman to President Trump, who remains exceedingly unpopular across the state. Sixty percent of likely voters disapproved of the job he was doing as president. About the same percentage had an unfavorable view of him, according to the poll.

ADIRONDACK COUNCIL RELEASES 45TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE PARK REPORT (PRESS RELEASE) - Adirondack Council (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

ADIRONDACK COUNCIL RELEASES 45TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE PARK REPORT (PRESS RELEASE)

Adirondack Council (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/20/26

From federal rollbacks of environmental protections to growing pressure on New York’s landmark environmental laws, the forces shaping the Adirondack Park are changing rapidly. The Adirondack Council’s 45th annual State of the Park Report examines the decisions and decision makers that shape the Park’s wild lands, clean waters, and rural communities, indicating the need for renewed advocacy, broader engagement, and stronger conservation leadership.

The 28-page report examines more than 90 significant actions taken by local, state, and federal officials over the past year, highlighting both threats to the Park’s future and opportunities to strengthen its protection.

Spanning 9,300 square miles and six million acres, the Adirondack Park is the largest park in the contiguous United States. Nearly half its area is public land and water, with Forest Preserve lands constitutionally protected as “forever wild.” The Park is also home to approximately 130,000 year-round residents across 92 towns and nine villages, and welcomes more than 12 million visitors annually.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen federal environmental protections weakened and unprecedented threats to some of our most cherished public lands,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director Raul J. Aguirre. “Here in New York, we’ve also seen efforts to weaken the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the State Environmental Quality Review Act. These changes at both the national and state level make our work more important than ever. It’s also clear that strong bipartisan, grassroots support for public lands protection and access remains strong, and that is a source of optimism and hope.”

Aguirre said that broad support will be critical as the Adirondack region confronts major decisions about its future, including the protection of the Whitney Estate, one of the Park’s most important remaining links to connect a network of valuable wildlife habitats and protected open space.

“The changes we are seeing bring uncertainty but can also create an opportunity to build new partnerships and bring more people into the work of protecting the Adirondacks,” Aguirre said. “With leadership transitions in Albany, Washington, and communities across the Park, we have an opportunity to strengthen that shared commitment. The challenge is to turn broad public support for the Adirondacks into lasting action.”

The report comes at a time of significant political transition. Twelve members of the New York Legislature retired this year, including key committee chairs, while seven of Essex County’s 18 supervisors also stepped down. With statewide offices and New York’s 21st Congressional District on the ballot in November, new leaders will help shape decisions affecting the Park’s lands, waters, climate, and communities.

“With more than 50 years of experience in conservation, wilderness preservation, government relations, and community engagement, the Adirondack Council brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing the Park,” Aguirre said. “Meeting these challenges will require leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment across the region. The Council is ready to help bring people together, build on our collective strengths, and advance solutions at the scale necessary to protect the Park’s ecological integrity and wild character while ensuring our rural communities remain strong and vibrant.”

Highlights from the 2026 State of the Park Report

The report examines more than 90 actions by government officials, courts, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that shaped the Adirondack Park over the past year. Highlights include:

State leadership: Progress and setbacks

Governor Kathy Hochul received praise for environmental funding, resisting efforts to motorize wilderness areas, pausing state approvals for data centers, and committing funds toward protecting the 36,000-acre Whitney Estate in Long Lake. The report also criticizes changes to New York’s climate law and State Environmental Quality Review Act enacted through closed-door budget negotiations.

The State Legislature earned credit for expanding environmental funding and improving wildlife management, but drew criticism for failing to address road salt use on state highways or advance plans for reusing three former prison facilities in and around the Park.

Environmental agencies: Conservation gains and unfinished work

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received praise for efforts to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, improve lake-water quality, continued efforts to restore spruce grouse populations, conserve private lands, and support smart growth practices. The report also highlights overdue plans and rules for open-space conservation, wildlife protection, and Forest Preserve trail construction, along with the agency’s decision not to appeal a court ruling striking down its revised wetlands regulations.

The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) was recognized for convening its first adjudicatory hearing in 15 years to review a proposal to test-fire a military howitzer in Essex County. It also received credit for improving public access to land-use information and advancing appropriately sited solar development. The report urges the agency to better protect remoteness, address cumulative development impacts, and establish a consistent policy for reviewing solar projects.

Courts and the Attorney General: Defending Environmental Protections

Federal and state courts challenged efforts to weaken air-quality protections, upheld New York’s All-Electric Buildings Act, and required progress on the state’s overdue carbon allowance-trading program. Attorney General Letitia James received praise for challenging federal rollbacks affecting air quality, greenhouse-gas regulation, and commercial refrigerants, and for defending the APA’s authority to review complex land-use proposals.

Federal policy: Growing pressures on the Park

The report recognizes the U.S. Geological Survey’s decades of research documenting the recovery of Adirondack trout waters from acid rain and congressional efforts to secure funding for regional health care, education, infrastructure, and tourism.

It also criticizes federal rollbacks of protections for air quality, roadless lands, endangered species, and wetlands. Changes to national park visitor-management programs, the closure of three U.S. Forest Service offices in New York, and the broader U.S.-Canada dispute disrupting cross-border travel raised additional concerns for the region’s environment and economy.

Local leadership and conservation partnerships

Local governments and organizations demonstrated practical approaches to conservation and community well-being. Examples include Warren County’s efforts to reduce road salt use, Queensbury’s municipal solar project on a closed landfill, Franklin County support for local food producers, the Town of Jay’s opposition to military cannon test-firing, and conservation education efforts in Hamilton County.

Spotlight on conservation leadership

The report also recognizes organizations and individuals contributing to the Park’s environment, culture, and communities, including the Lake George Association, AdkAction, the Akwesasne Land Resource Program, Adirondack North Country Association, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, the Adirondack Experience, the Wild Center, and other regional partners.

Founded in 1975, the Adirondack Council is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization committed to protecting the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. For over 50 years, the Adirondack Council has championed the Park in Albany, and Washington, D.C. through public education, advocacy, environmental monitoring, and legal action when necessary.

The Park contains one of the largest intact temperate forests left in the world and is home to approximately 130,000 year-round residents. The Council advances its mission through research, education, advocacy, and legal action. It envisions an Adirondack Park with clean air and water, core wilderness areas, working forests and farms, and inclusive, thriving communities.

FOR THE 114TH ASSEMBLY SEAT, REP. INCUMBENT MATT SIMPSON FACES DEM. JOHN GUNTHER - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

FOR THE 114TH ASSEMBLY SEAT, REP. INCUMBENT MATT SIMPSON FACES DEM. JOHN GUNTHER

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/19/26

NYS Assemblyman Matt Simpson, a Republican, has represented the 114th district since 2021. The district covers Essex and Warren counties as well as parts of Saratoga, Washington, and Fulton counties. Simpson is being challenged by Democrat John Gunther.

Simpson’s path to the State Assembly opened up about six years ago. Republican State Senator Betty Little was retiring, and Dan Stec, a Republican who was serving in the Assembly at the time, was running to replace her.

That meant Stec’s seat representing the 114th district was up for grabs. Simpson had spent years in local politics and says a few folks encouraged him to run.

"So I thought about it overnight, and the next morning I said, you know, I’m very much interested," said Simpson, who served as Horicon's town supervisor for the previous seven years.

In 2020, Simpson ran for the open seat and defeated his Democratic challenger by more than 14%.

Gunther’s idea to run for the Assembly was sparked two years ago, when President Donald Trump was reelected.

"I went to sleep that night and I woke up the next morning and thought, you know, I can do something about this," said Gunther. "I’m not just going to complain, I may run for public office.”

Gunther, who is in his late 70s, spent nearly five decades running Toy Works, a factory in Washington County that employed about fifty people.

Gunther said that experience exposed him to some of the key challenges that people face in the North Country.

"I know, as a small employer, how difficult it was to provide decent healthcare for your employees. It was so expensive back when I was in business and it’s only gotten much worse."

Gunther is advocating for the state to pass the New York Health Act, which would create a single-payer system with the goal of providing universal health care to all New Yorkers.

Simpson has been focused on another financial stress in people’s lives. "Top of everybody’s mind is affordability, and there isn’t anyone that’s not experiencing the challenges of high energy bills," explained Simpson.

Heating oil costs more than $6 a gallon in New York, which is about 60% higher than last year, according to state data.

Oil prices have surged since the US went to war with Iran, but Simpson says New York has other ways of lowering energy bills, like investing in natural gas. He also thinks the state should get rid of green energy subsidies for solar and wind projects.

"They wouldn’t be building them absent of those taxpayer subsidies. That’s a problem because we’re creating a higher cost of energy with the hopes of having lower costs down the road. There isn’t a clear path," said Simpson.

He has also been critical of the state’s push for school districts to transition to electric buses. Many schools in the 114th district and across the North Country are in rural areas with long bus routes and cold winters. The state has given out hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies for that effort.

"Every dollar that was spent toward that is a dollar that could have been spent towards educating our kids. It should have been spent in our classrooms first," said Simpson.

Schools in the district are also struggling with declining student enrollments, which Gunther has seen firsthand in Washington County. After he retired from his toy-making business, he worked as a substitute teacher.

"I think we have got to start consolidating some of these schools, maybe building new central schools," said Gunther. "It may be a longer commute for some of the kids, but I think that’s what needs to happen.”

Gunther has also been a vocal opponent of battery energy storage sites, like the one proposed in Ticonderoga. Those projects are part of the state’s efforts to stabilize the energy grid, but Gunther is skeptical of the business side.

"I think there are a lot of companies jumping on the bandwagon because they see it as a profit center, a cash cow.”

The 114th Assembly District leans overwhelmingly to the right. After redistricting a few years ago, the more liberal pockets like Keene and Glens Falls were drawn out of the district. Now there are about 80,000 more Republicans than there are Democrats in the 114th district, a fact that Gunther is well aware of.

"I realize that the odds are stacked against me. However, I’m energized by this campaign. If I don’t win, at least I feel like I’m bringing people’s attention to these issues, so my work is not in vain.”

For Simpson, his motivation in Albany is to give his constituents access to a better life. Before getting into politics, Simpson ran his own drywall business for three decades and raised a family in the area.

"Really, I want people to have the opportunity that I had. My goal was to live in the Adirondacks and I have to pinch myself at how fortunate I’ve been with my life and the opportunity that’s been afforded [to] me.”

Voters have already started mailing in their ballots in New York. Early, in-person voting begins Oct. 24th and election day is Tuesday, November 3.

FIRST MEETING CONVENED TO ADVANCE N.Y.'S PUSH FOR 2042 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES - The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

FIRST MEETING CONVENED TO ADVANCE N.Y.'S PUSH FOR 2042 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/19/26

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the full membership of the Lake Placid–New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee, with nearly 90 members.

The committee held its first full meeting in New York City, marking the next phase of an evaluation of the feasibility of hosting a future Games in New York State.

Gov. Hochul also announced $2.5 million in State funding to support the Monument to a Miracle project, permanent tributes to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and Five-Time Gold Medalist Eric Heiden.

“New York is an Olympic State. We have the history, we have the venues, and we have a passion for sports that’s second to none,” Gov. Hochul said. “Today, I’ve assembled a team of the best and the brightest in sports, government, business and community leadership from all corners of the state to ensure we are in the best position possible to build a roadmap to bring the Olympic flame back to New York.”

Building on the Governor's June announcement of the Committee's leadership group and subcommittee co-chairs, the full Committee brings together leaders from government, business, sports and community organizations. The Committee will examine the opportunities, challenges and long-term considerations associated with a potential 2042 Winter Games in New York State.

The following individuals are serving on the Lake Placid–New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee.

LEADERSHIP GROUP

Ashley Walden (Chair), Olympic Regional Development Authority
Martin Brennan, Office of U.S. Senator Schumer
Assemblymember Robert Carroll
Jarred Jones, Office of U.S. Senator Gillibrand
Deputy Mayor Jackie Kelly, Village of Lake Placid
Secretary to the Governor Karen Persichilli Keogh, NYS Executive Chamber
Commissioner Hope Knight, Empire State Development
Deputy Mayor Julie Su, City of New York

GAMES OPERATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Marissa Shorenstein (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
Andrew Weibrecht (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Mirror Lake Inn
Jeff Byrne
Kelly Cheeseman, NY Islanders and UBS Arena
Claire DelNegro, FIL - International Luge Federation
Tom Harris, Times Square Alliance
Jill Lafer, 92NY
Alex Lasry, FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee
Martina Lussi, Grandview Lake Placid
John Morgan, JFM Sports
Laura Pegula, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres
Jeff Potter, Monument to a Miracle
Carlo Scissura, New York Building Congress
Edward Smith, New York Athletic Club
Craig Weatherup
Tom Wright, Regional Plan Association

FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE

Serge Abergel (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Hydro-Quebec Energy Services
Peter Land (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Media Consultant and New York University
Cali Brooks, Adirondack Community Foundation
Greg Carey, Goldman Sachs
Josh Cohen, NY Mets
John Collins, NY Islanders
Sharon Greenberger, YMCA of Greater New York
David Heidercorn, L Catterton
Reed Miller, High Peaks Resort
Bruce Monette Jr., Adirondack Energy Products
James Patchett, Gilbane Development Company
Paul Pogge, IMA Financial Group
Julie Samuels, Tech:NYC
Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer
Blake G. Washington, NYS Division of the Budget
Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson, Town of Keene
Ann Wool, United Entertainment Group

LEGAL SUBCOMMITTEE

Anthony Crowell (Subcommittee Co-Chair), New York Law School
Robert Landau (Subcommittee Co-Chair), NBCUniversal
Jarrod Bernstein, Morrison Cohen
James Bilsborrow, Weitz & Luxenberg
Rick Cotton
Elizabeth Fine, Liz Fine Advisory LLC
Adrienne A. Harris, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Walter Kane, Cary Kane PLLC
Bill Kissel, Of Counsel Norfolk Beier
Randy Levine, New York Yankees
Alex McKhann, Chelsea Piers Foundation
Stephanie Pianka, Adirondack Community Foundation

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE

Grace Bonilla (Subcommittee Co-Chair), United Way of New York City
James McKenna (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Uihlein Foundation
Katie Brennan, Village of Lake Placid
Victor Calise, Walmart
John Calvelli, Wildlife Conservation Society
Adele Connors, Point Positive
Gary Gertzog, Fanatics
Dan Kelting, Paul Smith’s College
Pat Kiernan, Spectrum News NY1
Tuffy Latour, Bobsled/Skeleton Coach
Rich Maroko, Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO
Frankie Miranda, Hispanic Federation
Manny Pastreich, 32BJ SEIU
Abby Praetorius, North Country Chamber of Commerce
Andrew Rigie, New York City Hospitality Alliance
Elinor Tatum, New York Amsterdam News
Maria Torres-Springer, Charles H. Revson Foundation
L. Joy Williams, NAACP New York State Conference

STRATEGIC ADVISORS SUBCOMMITTEE

D. Billy Jones (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Clinton Community College
Joe Martens (Subcommittee Co-Chair), Olympic Regional Development Authority
Rebecca Dayton, Olympic Regional Development Authority
Fred Dixon, NYC Tourism + Conventions
Commissioner Mike Flynn, NYC Department of Transportation
Steve Fulop, Partnership for New York City
Executive Director Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority of NY and NJ
Andrew Heinrich, Project Rousseau
James Katz, NYS Executive Chamber
Andrew Kimball, New York University
Erik Kulleseid, Open Space Institute
Kevin Law, Empire State Development
Ross Levi, NYS Division of Tourism / Empire State Development
Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Olympic Regional Development Authority
Emma Pfohman, Association for a Better New York
Basil Seggos, Foley Hoag
Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, NYS Department of Transportation
Tait Wardlaw, Olympic Regional Development Authority

First announced in June, the Exploratory Committee is examining whether a modern, regionally coordinated Winter Games concept connecting Lake Placid and New York City could be feasible under the International Olympic Committee's current hosting requirements.

The Committee is guided by a Leadership Group chaired by Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ashley Walden and supported by five subcommittees focused on Games Operations, Finance, Legal, Community Engagement and Strategic Advisors.

The full Committee convened Oct. 19 at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan for briefings on the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, perspectives from Milano Cortina 2026, and Lake Placid and New York City's experience hosting major events, most recently the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Over the course of the exploratory process, members will examine Lake Placid and New York’s existing infrastructure and operational capabilities, financial and governance models, and opportunities for a multi-region Winter Games concept to deliver long-term community and economic benefits. The Committee will engage communities across the state and solicit public input to shape the findings and recommendations outlined in its final report.

The exploratory process is expected to continue over approximately one year, with findings and recommendations provided to State leadership for review. The effort is not a formal Olympic or Paralympic bid, and no final decision has been made to pursue hosting.

Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO and Exploratory Committee Chair Ashley Walden said, “Lake Placid's Olympic venues remain active centers for international competition, athlete development, and recreation. Combined with New York City's extensive experience and resources, they provide a strong foundation for this exploration. The Committee's work will help us understand how these assets could support a modern Winter Games concept and what that could mean for New York's long-term Olympic legacy.”

Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin said, “Lake Placid is excited for the Exploratory Committee to be having their first face-to-face meeting. With the recent upgrades to our Olympic venues, our facilities are amongst the best in the world and are ready to go. Lake Placid is very proud to have hosted the 1932 and 1980 games and are looking forward to the possibility of adding a third Olympics to our heritage.”

BUILDING ON NEW YORK’S OLYMPIC LEGACY

Lake Placid hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980 and continues to welcome international competitions, national teams and visitors from around the world. More than $750 million in State investments has modernized the region's Olympic sports infrastructure, supporting year-round recreation, athlete development and international competition.

Together with New York City's global connectivity, world-class venues, hospitality capacity and experience hosting major international events, these existing assets provide a foundation for exploring a modern, regional approach to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

$2.5 MILLION FOR MONUMENT TO A MIRACLE

Gov. Hochul also announced $2.5 million in State funding to support Monument to a Miracle, a project commemorating two historic achievements of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games: the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team’s Miracle on Ice victory and Eric Heiden’s unprecedented five speed skating gold medals.

The $5.2 million project will feature 20 life-sized bronze figures with a gold patina celebrating atop a granite victory podium outside the Herb Brooks Arena at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid where the Miracle on Ice took place. The monument will include the team members' names, quotes from legendary coach Herb Brooks and interactive podium sections designed for visitor photographs. The project also includes a separate statue honoring Eric Heiden.

Scheduled for unveiling in February 2030, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, the monument will preserve the legacy of the Miracle on Ice and create a lasting experience for future generations of visitors, athletes and fans.

President of the Friends of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Hockey Team Jeff Potter said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for this important investment in preserving Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy. These two monuments honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and five-time Olympic gold medalist Eric Heiden will celebrate extraordinary achievements from the 1980 Winter Games. Together, they will ensure these remarkable stories continue to inspire future generations.”

GOP CANDIDATE FOR NY-21 ANTHONY CONSTANTINO ON IMMIGRATION, REFORMING GOVERNMENT AND MIKE JOHNSON - State of Politcs (Albany, NY) Website

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

GOP CANDIDATE FOR NY-21 ANTHONY CONSTANTINO ON IMMIGRATION, REFORMING GOVERNMENT AND MIKE JOHNSON

State of Politics (Albany, NY)

10/19/26

Anthony Constantino is a successful upstate businessman who came to the attention of President Donald Trump after erecting a 100-foot sign on the roof of his factory in Amsterdam, NY that read “Vote for Trump.” Now he’s in a battle for the hearts, minds and votes of the people of the sprawling 21^st Congressional District.

The district is currently represented by powerhouse politician Elise Stefanik, who is stepping down from the position at the end of the year.

Constantino, a Republican, is self-funding his candidacy against North Country dairy farmer and Democrat Blake Gendebien.

NY-21 is traditionally a red district, but this year, issues around affordability have made the district more of a battleground than it’s been in recent history.

Constantino told Capital Tonight he was skeptical of why the media has described the race with Gendebien as a close one, saying it’s in the media’s interest to make it a close race.

“Nothing against the media but the media has an incentive to paint race as being more competitive because it drives up viewership, it increases fundraising, it drives up profits for them so there’s a financial incentive for people to promote this race as being competitive,” he told Capital Tonight.

The latest Siena University poll from Oct. 9 had Gendebien at 46% and Constantino at 42%.

One of Constantino’s proposals is an effort he calls “Operation Overhaul,” which would create an easy-to-navigate U.S. government interface for consumers.

“I like making life easier for people. The U.S. taxpayer has paid for every single government system in existence, from how you register to vote; to how you talk to the V.A.; to how you apply for immigration; to how you update your driver’s license,” he said. “We can upgrade every single one of these systems from a design-first perspective.”

On issues including the high cost of diesel gas, there isn’t much sunlight between President Trump and Constantino who has made his support of the president a part of his campaign. Constantino said he will address the high cost of diesel fuel by cutting gas taxes as well as by leveraging Venezuela’s enormous oil reserves.

The race between Constantino and Gendebien has been contentious with allegations of impropriety on both sides. During this interview, Constantino alleged that Gendebien’s campaign employs "immigrants," a foreign citizen and a Communist.

When asked to respond to the allegations, the Gendebien campaign sent the following statement:

"The people Anthony named no longer work for this campaign. If he wants to talk about staff, he can start with his own. His campaign paid $20,000 to a man charged with murder, and his press aide pleaded guilty to stealing from children."

Capital Tonight has not yet heard from the Constantino camp after a request for further comment.

Constantino wouldn’t acknowledge that there is a chance he could lose the election. When asked if he would support Rep. Mike Johnson for House speaker if he wins the election, the candidate was non-committal.

“We’re going to make that decision,” he said. “It’s called holding your cards close to your vest.”

NY-21: CHRISTOPHER SCHMIDT RECENTLY POLLED AT 5%. WILL THAT IMPACT THE RACE? - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

NY-21: CHRISTOPHER SCHMIDT RECENTLY POLLED AT 5%. WILL THAT IMPACT THE RACE?

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/16/26

Last week, the Siena Research Institute released a poll that found the race to represent the North Country’s main congressional district is a close one. St. Lawrence County farmer Blake Gendebien, a Democrat, polled ahead of Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, a Republican, 46% to 42% among likely voters.

Some respondents said they’d go with a third candidate who is not on the ballot: Washington County native Christopher Schmidt.

Schmidt is running a write-in campaign to represent New York's 21st Congressional District. The independent didn’t get enough petition signatures to get on the ballot in November.

But his name keeps coming up. In both a Survey USA poll released in August and the more recent Siena University poll, 5% of respondents said they’d vote for him.

Schmidt said it shows he’s gaining momentum and that people feel disenfranchised from the political system.

"A lot of people are tired of settling for the lesser of two evils; you hear that kind of come up a lot," he said. "And I’m trying to represent the people that are looking for other ideas and options."

Some of those "other ideas" include a bill that would limit all legislation to a single topic or subject. Schmidt said he’s also focused on infrastructure and making the North Country more economically sustainable.

The fact that Schmidt was offered to voters as an option in the two polls has drawn criticism Constantino’s campaign.

"This is the second media poll in this race to test a ballot that does not exist," senior advisor Alex DeGrasse said in a memo about the more recent Siena survey.

"Siena included a write-in, conservative candidate, but did not include a far-left write-in candidate, intentionally skewing results for on-ballot Democrats," he added in a subsequent statement.

Siena Research Institute Executive Director Don Levy said the decision to include Schmidt was made jointly with the media sponsors of the poll: the Albany Times Union, WAMC, and MyNBC5.

Levy said, even if you took all the Schmidt voters and put them in Constantino’s column, it’d still show a tight race.

"So that would move Constantino to 47% and Gendebien (would stay at) 46% which, if that were the horse race, would be thoroughly consistent with my analysis that says that this race, at present, is a toss-up."

According to Levy, third-party candidates tend to over-poll, so it’s unlikely Schmidt will actually pull 5% of the vote on Election Day, or be a spoiler in the race. What’s more interesting, he said, is looking at the poll as a whole, which points to Constantino’s campaign having some challenges.

Voters said Gendebien will do a better job on several key issues, including affordability, health care, and helping small businesses. He’s also viewed more favorably than Constantino, who’s trailing the performance of the Republican candidate for governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in the district. Ten percent of Republicans surveyed said they didn’t know who they would vote for if the NY-21 race was held the day they were asked.

But Levy said those undecided voters—and even the Schmidt voters—could be seen as an opportunity for Constantino in the Republican-majority district.

"So if he pulls those voters home, if indeed he is successful with the Schmidt voters, then certainly, arithmetically, Constantino has every single opportunity to win this race."

According to DeGrasse, Constantino is winning NY-21 "despite everyone in the media trying to prevent that at all costs.”

For his part, Schmidt said it’s good to get more people involved in politics.

Special Envoy John Rich meets upstate landowners to defend farmland - The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

SPECIAL ENVOY JOHN RICH MEETS UPSTATE LANDOWNERS TO DEFEND FARMLAND

The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/16/26

Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) joined Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich, local farmer and advocate Alex Fasulo, elected officials from across upstate and other community members at Fasulo’s Farm in Schuylerville for a discussion on protecting agricultural land and rural property rights.

Thursday's gathering focused on the challenges facing New York farmland owners, including state-level decisions that can override local input on large renewable energy projects via the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES).

“Albany’s process is pushing industrial solar onto productive farmland and sidelining local communities,” said Simpson. “We are not opposed to clean energy, but lofty goals shouldn’t come at the expense of home rule and the greenery we are trying to protect.”

Simpson is currently carrying proposed legislation that would require ORES to align with the state’s conservation goals and protect sensitive open spaces from industrial renewable projects by establishing clear land-use tiers and requiring real compensatory protections.

IN QUEENSBURY, BLAKEMAN DOUBLES DOWN ON TAX CUTS, ENERGY PLAN - North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY) Website

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

IN QUEENSBURY, BLAKEMAN DOUBLES DOWN ON TAX CUTS, ENERGY PLAN

North Country Public Radio (Canton, NY)

10/15/26

Fresh off the only debate in the race for governor, Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, made a rare visit to the North Country Wednesday. He blamed Gov. Kathy Hochul for making New York among the highest-taxing states in the nation. He also outlined a plan he says could slash utility costs and he touched on environmental concerns in the Adirondacks.

At a press conference in a neighborhood of Queensbury, Blakeman doubled down on his plan to eliminate state income tax for joint filers making under $100,000 dollars and individuals making under $50,000 dollars. He refferenced a new report from the nonpartisan thinktank Citizens Budget Commission which said New York State and its localities are the nation’s highest-taxing and second highest-spending governments.

"Combined with New York’s high cost of living and uneven public services," the report said. "These fiscal burdens weaken New York’s value proposition and its ability to attract and retain residents and businesses."

Blakeman said his plan would be the largest middle-income tax cut in history. But the CBC report also said taxes are "only part of the equation." It said New York does not need to be among the lowest taxing states in the nation, but it should focus on improving the quality of critical services and enhancing affordability so New Yorkers get more for their money. Blakeman didn’t elaborate on how his tax cuts would impact critical services.

He said lowering energy costs will be crucial to making New York more affordable. In New York, the per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost of electricity is 27.4 cents. That's more than 50% higher than the US average of 17.25 cents, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

Blakeman proposed doing away with the state’s renewable energy goals and instead tapping into the state’s natural gas reserves along the Pennsylvania border.

“Not only would we be driving down the state’s energy costs, but in that area of New York, the southern tier of New York, one of the poorest areas in America, we would be able to create jobs and prosperity.”

A fact check by New York Focus found Blakeman's plan would involve reversing New York’s decade-old ban on fracking which the legislature codified in 2020 and an additional fracking ban passed in 2024.

The New York League of Conservation Voters recently placed Blakeman on its “Dirty Dozen” list of lawmakers with what they call the worst environmental records.

“If Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman becomes governor, his energy plan will be a photocopy of President Donald Trump’s: making a false pledge to reduce energy prices, reversing New York’s clean energy projects, and opening the spigot for dirtier energy," the group wrote on its website.

When asked whether or not he supports the Trump Administration’s recent rollback of power plant emission rules that protect the Adirondacks from acid rain and mercury contamination, Blakeman said New York’s carbon footprint is miniscule compared to the rest of the world.

“Yes, we should be concerned about the environment. And, yes, where we can lower our carbon footprint - we should," he said. "But there has to be a benefit.”

Queensbury resident Terry Combs agrees. He’s a retired patrol officer for the Warren County Sheriff's office and offered up his home for the press event. He said he’s excited about Blakeman’s affordability plan and thinks the republican will deliver on protecting the Adirondacks.

“I think the way he worded it was, he’s not going to do anything that’s going to be harmful to our way of life up here, to our parks, to anything like that," Combs said. "If something bad comes up, he’s not going to do it.”

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Blakeman in latest polls. Her campaign office did not return requests for comment.

A staff member with the Blakeman campaign said the Nassau County executive plans to make more stops in the North Country before Election Day on Nov. 3.

ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY BOARD LIKELY TO VOTE ON HOWITZER PROJECT IN NOVEMBER - Adirondack Explorer (Saranac Lake, NY) Website

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY BOARD LIKELY TO VOTE ON HOWITZER PROJECT IN NOVEMBER

Adirondack Explorer (Saranac Lake, NY)

10/15/26

The Adirondack Park Agency has until Dec. 7 to vote on a controversial proposal to test howitzers in the northeastern Adirondacks.

An administrative law judge triggered the deadline last week when he sent agency staff the final record on Oct. 8.

The APA said there is a 60-day period for its review.

It’s the latest derailment of the agency’s first adjudicatory hearing since 2011. The agency board could vote to continue the hearing process, or it could vote to accept or dismiss the application. Whatever the decision, the project could come back in a new iteration.

While the agency’s agenda for its monthly board meeting on Oct. 22 is not out yet, it’s unlikely that the board will take up the matter then. The only other agency board meeting before Dec. 7 is on Nov. 19.

A historic vote for the agency

The APA board’s vote would mark the end of an unprecedented chapter in the APA’s more than 50-year history of regulating public and private lands in the approximately 6-million-acre park. The project has garnered national attention and is the first munitions testing proposal to come before the APA.

Michael Hopmeier, president of Florida-based Unconventional Concepts, Inc., has sought to test the internal ballistics of 155 mm portable howitzers on private land in the town of Lewis since 2021. Hopmeier’s company is a private security consulting firm with several government contracts. He purchased a former Atlas F missile silo in the Essex County town and has created a business hub there, in addition to a branch in Virginia.

The howitzer proposal would involve shooting the cannons up to 30 times per year throughout five years. The testing would take place on a private logger’s land down the road from the missile silo. Inert slugs would be shot into a container of sand with privately owned Big Church Mountain acting as a backstop.

The testing site is near state lands including Taylor Pond Wild Forest and the Jay Mountain Wilderness.

Hopmeier had a military contract for the testing, but in 2023, records show, the research and development branch of the Army dropped the project. Army leaders were concerned about the cost of a safety risk assessment and potential ricochet into state Route 9 and the Adirondack Northway (I-87).

The long road to a hearing

Over the course of five years, APA staff issued six incomplete application notices. In November 2025, staff came before the 11-member APA board requesting the project be sent to an adjudicatory hearing. Such hearings are akin to trials with a judge overseeing discovery, pre-hearing motions, parties and witnesses. The APA board makes a decision on the permit after the hearing concludes. It is the only avenue for the agency to deny a permit or substantially modify it.

Agency staff requested the hearing to examine whether the rules and regulations governing the park authorized a cannon testing project.

The APA board voted in favor of holding a hearing.

Since that November vote, the pre-hearing process has been fraught with challenges brought by both Hopmeier and environmental groups.

Hopmeier also unsuccessfully sued several agency representatives over the hearing vote.

In August, after receiving pushback for missing deadlines for discovery, Hopmeier’s attorney Matthew Norfolk presented a novel argument. The project would only occur with a federal contract, and once received, Norfolk argued, the testing would be “subject to federal regulation and only federal regulation. The proposed project is immune to state regulation, including the APA Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.”

Administrative Law Judge David Greenwood ordered in September that the hearing be dismissed and recommended the APA deny the project.

Greenwood scolded Hopmeier and Norfolk in the order, writing that they “have not proceeded with the conduct of this hearing in good faith, and have failed to present evidence or address the hearing issues identified by the Agency Board and therefore have failed to meet their burden.”

APA staff requested the hearing be rescheduled a fifth time to Dec. 2.

GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTS DELIVERY OF MILLIONS OF ENERGY REBATE CHECKS - The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY) Website

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 EST

GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTS DELIVERY OF MILLIONS OF ENERGY REBATE CHECKS

The Sun Community News (Elizabethtown, NY)

10/15/26

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that 3 million New Yorkers have already received their energy rebate checks of up to $200, with another 5.2 million checks being sent in coming weeks.

“As Trump and Washington Republicans keep driving up the cost of gas and utilities, I’m focused on helping New Yorkers keep more money in their pockets,” Gov. Hochul said. “Our energy rebate checks are just one of many ways we’re helping families address rising costs – along with our ratepayer protection plan, enrolling more New Yorkers in utility bill discount programs, expanding access to affordable childcare, expanding the child tax credit, delivering middle class tax cuts, and more.”

Gov. Hochul’s Enacted Budget included a one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) to help provide needed relief in the face of federal tariffs that have increased the cost of living across the board and President Trump’s war in Iran, which has caused the price at the pump to skyrocket.

POWER checks provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The checks began being mailed on Sept. 21 and will continue through December. A total of 8.2 million New Yorkers will receive checks.

There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. The State Tax Department is mailing checks to eligible New Yorkers now. For more information, visit: tax.ny.gov/pit/energy-rebate-check.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL'S ENERGY AFFORDABILITY AGENDA

Gov. Hochul also recently launched a new enrollment push to help more households across New York save up to hundreds of dollars per year on their utility bills through the State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP). Since that enrollment push launched in mid-September, 50,000 additional households have submitted applications to their utilities. EAP already provides monthly discounts to around 1 million households statewide, and State officials estimate that since the Governor expanded the program earlier this year, around 2.5 million more households are eligible but not enrolled. For more information on EAP and how to apply, visit ny.gov/EAP.

Additionally, Gov. Hochul’s FY27 Enacted Budget rewrote the rules and put New York families ahead of big energy companies. At the heart of this effort to modernize the State’s approach to regulating utilities is a commitment to energy affordability. Energy profits are tied to a company’s ability to perform where it matters most: people’s wallets. Utilities are prohibited from passing the costs of lobbying, glossy PR campaigns, political donations, and luxury travel to New York ratepayers. Utility CEOs will have their salaries benchmarked to achieving energy affordability goals set by the Public Service Commission (PSC). And if a utility makes excess profit, that money will be returned to ratepayers.

THE GOVERNOR'S RATEPAYER PROTECTION PLAN

Stops disruptive price hikes before they take effect in the first place by demanding unprecedented fiscal discipline and transparency from utility companies. When requesting a rate increase, utilities will have to prove that their capital projects are absolutely necessary and that they’ve left no stone unturned in the pursuit of zero-emission options. They’ll also have to present a budget-constrained option that keeps their operating costs below the rate of inflation.
Ensures a fair fight by requiring 14 months to examine rate requests by utility companies and the PSC will be able to set multi-year rate cases when they make sense for consumers. The State’s regulators will also heavily scrutinize the fees that utilities run up during the process of determining new rates. The goal is to ensure customers aren’t shouldering any costs associated with utility rate cases that aren’t legally required.
Requires the establishment of a new energy affordability index that will expose the true impact of utility rates on everyday New Yorkers, benchmarking utility performance here against those in the rest of the nation. Going forward, utilities will be required to demonstrate exactly how any proposed rate hike will impact this index — and if a rate case pushes the average household energy burden above 6 percent, the State will be able to deploy an independent Affordability Monitor directly into the utility’s boardroom.